Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Following series of bombings in neighbouring Yobe and Borno, the Adamawa police command has intensified security measures to protect lives and property of people in the state.
The command’s spokeswoman, ASP Altine Daniel, told newsmen in Yola on Saturday that the command had taken some precautionary measures since the beginning of the Boko Haram crisis.
“Since the beginning of the crisis, we have considered ourselves as one of the states that is very close to these crisis prone states.
“And following the recent happening, we put in measures to make sure that the spillover did not affect us.”
Altine stated that the command had introduced more patrols across the state, especially in the border towns.
Benue
Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly (BHA), has called on his supporters to resist the temptation of causing commotion.
“Nobody should do anything that might be tantamount to violence because if you do that, the law, which is a no respecter of persons, will catch up with you.’’
Tarzoor spoke with newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday, three days after his election was annulled by the Court of Appeal.
“Although I have lost my position as Speaker, I am not going to support violence.”
He stressed that what transpired at the court was purely an act of God and that he has no power to resist the will of God.
FCT
Vice President Namadi Sambo in Abuja on Sunday reassured that the Federal Government was determined to fulfil all its promises aimed at improving the socio-economic status of all Nigerians as enunciated in the Transformation Agenda.
Sambo, who gave the reassurance in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Muslim Ummah across the country, restated government’s commitment in protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.
He, therefore, enjoined all Nigerians to take advantage of this spirituality by ensuring that it served as a rallying point for the continued unity, peace and progress of the country.
Sambo also charged all citizens to always co-operate with government towards the attainment of the collective objective of a greater Nigeria.
“You should be resolute, steadfast and observe the traffic rules and regulations during and after the festivities as Nigeria needs you,” he stated.
Jigawa
As the Muslim faithful across the country celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, the Acting Chief Imam of Dutse Central Mosque in Jigawa, Sheikh Badamasi Tijjani, has called for love and tolerance among Nigerians.
Badamasi,who gave the advice in Dutse on Sunday during his sermons to mark this year’s sallah festivities, admonished the Muslims to always show love to other fellow human beings.
He said that no nation would prosper and develop without love and tolerance among its people.
The Chief Imam also lamented the incessant maiming and killing of innocent citizens across the country and called for concerted prayers from all and sundry for divine intervention.
Badamasi urged Muslims not to consider the celebration as an occasion for merry-making only, but also for sober reflection and rededication of themselves to the service of God and humanity.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has urged the Muslim Ummah to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to pray for the state and the country ..
In a Sallah message signed by the Senior Special Assistant to Yakowa on Media and publicity, Mr. Reuben Buhari, the governor called for peace and tolerance as well as a positive attitude towards issues affecting the state and the country at large.
He said that only in a congenial atmosphere could the government work toward developing the state.
He expressed optimism that the sacrificial spirit of the Sallah celebration would impact on the lives of the people and transform the state into a peaceful and habitable environment.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government is to give more support to joint security patrol to curtail cases of armed robbery and banditry in the State.
Acting Gov. Ibrahim Aliyu, made this known in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday in his Eid-El-kabir message to the people of the state.
He said that matters related to the security, welfare and peaceful coexistence of the people would be given the priority it deserved.
Aliyu enjoined the people to assist security agencies with necessary information about the undesirable elements in the society for possible arrest and prosecution.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly is to constitute new committees after it resumes from the Eid-EL-Kabir holidays today.
The House has plans to reduce the number of its committees to ensure efficiency.
A lawmaker, who would not want to be named, told newsmen on Sunday that the House leadership decided to reduce the number of committees because in the sixth Assembly, almost all the lawmakers had their respective committees which reduced their commitment to other committees where they served as members.
Niger
Authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, in Niger said on Saturday that the institution would remain closed indefinitely.
A memo signed by the Deputy Registrar (Academics), Alhaji Mohammed Ndana frowned at the rumour circulating in Bida that the polytechnic would be reopened on Nov. 14, 2011 and described it as false.
“All students are hereby informed that the school remains indefinitely closed and they are therefore advised to stay away from the school environment in their own interest,” the statement said
It further warmed that any students caught around the school premises would have himself or herself to blame, vowing that security personnel at the school were on alert to arrest anyone violating the order,
Ogun
The Vice-Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Otta, Ogun, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, has emphasised the need for the Federal Government to encourage private initiative, saying that is to promote education in the country.
Adeyemi said this at the 3rd Convocation ceremony of the university.
He noted that the establishment of private universities had strengthened Nigeria’s educational sector, thereby enlarging the scope of choices available to students.
Adeyemi urged the Federal Government to quicken the process of the establishment of its proposed Educational Trust Fund.
Plateau
The Plateau Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) has cautioned road users to exercise restraint and care while driving during the Sallah festivity.
The Chief Inspection Officer, Mr. Peter Dajan, told newsmen in Jos that careful driving would reduce accidents which were common occurrences during festivities.
Dajan expressed regrets that many motorists and cyclists gave their vehicles to the under-age, pointing out that such acts encouraged recklessness and led to fatal accidents.
“Many lives have been lost due to underage and reckless driving, these accidents can be averted if extra cautions are taken and if adults desist from giving their vehicles/motorcycles to the under aged children.”
Sokoto
Alhaji Mohammed Sahabi, the Chairman of Tangaza local government in Sokoto State says the administration has earmarked N700,000 monthly for a special social welfare scheme.
Sahabi told newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday that under the scheme, which was introduced two months ago, 10 beneficiaries each were chosen from the Gongono, Gidan-Madi and Tangaza districts.
He said that assorted grains,including millet, maize and guinea corn were bought monthly and distributed to the beneficiaries.
“Part of the money is also being set aside for direct disbursement to the beneficiaries for their petty needs.
“A new set of beneficiaries are being chosen monthly and by so doing, we hope to reach majority of the indigent residents of the area.’’
Yobe
The Yobe Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Sulemon Usman, has confirmed the death of 53 people comprising of 17 security agents and 36 civilians in the bomb attacks in Damaturu on Friday.
Addressing newsmen on Saturday, the commissioner said that bomb explosives, rocket launchers and guns were used in the attack on security outfits, personnel and other public buildings.
He said that the security personnel had also killed seven of the attackers while four other security men that sustained injuries were receiving treatment.
Reports says that armed bombers attacked and destroyed the police headquarters, Anti- terrorist squad base, First bank, Secretariat complex and some churches among others in Damaturu.
Meanwhile, more soldiers have been deployed to reinforce security in the state capital just as the government had imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to curtail movement and to bring sanity back in the metropolis.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
Nation
2027: APC Chieftain Predicts Tinubu’s Victory …Says Bayelsa Stakeholders Supporting President en masse … IPAC Knitted Together, Working In Synergy With His Office
Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in Bayelsa State and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Dr Jackson Ebi Suokiri has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure landslide win in the 2027 Presidential polls.
The Governor’s Aide stated this in Yenagoa, the state capital on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen against the backdrop of Tuesday’s pioneer Stakeholders meeting of the party convened by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri as leader of the Party in the State upon his recent defection late last year.
He averred that Party stakeholders in the state were prepared to give the President the massive support needed to return elected, come 2027 following his sterling trajectory of performance and qualitative leadership prowess.
Dr Suokiri stressed that the reason for the governor’s swapping of party was in the best interest of the state, while also noting that the governor took the right decision as there was no need continuing with opposition politics even as the state has to align with the national government for rapid socioeconomic and political advantages for the state and its people.
“Governor Diri’s defection like you’ve personally heard him saying was for the best interest of our state, Bayelsa. When you’ve a President performing well at the national level and being very supportive to your state as a governor, I don’t think you’ve to be in an opposition party anymore, but rather align with the centre.
“Diri is a bridge builder. He is at peace with everybody and willing to work with all, irrespective of party affiliations or political differences for the interest of the state.
“As Stakeholders we’ve resolved to collectively work to return President Tinubu elected for second term in 2027. And you can see the Governor is not pressuring anybody or the structure of his former party, the PDP to defect like he has done.
“The PDP structure in the state is still intact, and for the APC, his new Party even as current leader in the State, he has been working with the structure and everybody he met on ground, hence you can see that the APC Caretaker Committee led by Dr. Dennis Otiotio has been maintained at the pioneer Stakeholders meeting convened by the Governor.
“But you must also know like you’ve seen and I’ve previously said that Governor Diri has outperformed expectations of Bayelsans in all sectors, be it economy, infrastructure, health, education, etc.”, he said.
Meanwhile, as against insinuations that some political parties were not working with the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations, the Governor’s Aide has revealed that as it were currently, all the 19 registered political parties with presence in the state are working in unity with his office as members of the Inter-party advisory council (IPAC).
“IPAC is working in unity with my office. Before the Governor’s defection the only party that wasn’t working with my office was the APC. But since after his formal defection, the APC and even those other parties that were either sympathetic to the APC, the governor’s new party or the PDP, his former Party are all now working together with my office as members of IPAC”, Suokiri added.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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